Ally Noel

Latest posts by Ally

A Colorful Skittles Science Experiment for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 11:08am

Check out what a little warm water does to these Skittles.

Your kids may think you're a real live wizard when they see the colorful results of this Skittles science experiment. What they won’t know is that there is actually a lot of science behind those swirls and whirls of color.

The different colors in Skittles are composed of slightly different properties. When the warm water dissolves these colors, kids witness a phenomenon called water stratification. The different densities of each ingredient create a barrier between the colors and thus a very cool and colorful pattern.

Our Favorite New England Hotels for Families

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 05/01/2021 - 12:12pm

The Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Connecticut offers the beach and so much more. Photo courtesy the resort

A New England summer is sparingly short, so locals and visitors alike try to cram as much fun as they can between Memorial and Labor Day. A fabulous family resort can help make the most of the season by taking care of the details so that everyone can relax rather than worry about whether or not they packed the sheets and towels!

We've rounded up some of our favorite Cape Cod hotels, seaside Maine resorts, pretty mountainous Vermont resorts, and more New England hotels that cater to families with kids.

Activities To Get You Out of the House this Weekend in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 04/21/2021 - 11:25am

Get hopping on the Frog Hopper. Photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement & Waterpark

We've definitely gained a deeper appreciation for getting outside after this past year! There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the fresh air this weekend in Connecticut. Quassy Amusement Park has its season opener this Saturday after being closed last year, and this weekend is filled with Earth Day celebrations all around the state. It’s Opening Weekend at the Hollister House Garden in Washington, there’s the Spring into Nature Festival in Darien, or you can celebrate all week during Earth Week at Niantic Children’s Museum.

Learn about the history of aviation at the New England Air Museum, or get out of the house to hit the trail with these short hikes around Connecticut. We're also looking forward to getting the kids back to summer day camps around Hartford this coming season. Learn more about local and virtual summer camps with our upcoming Online Camp Fair happening this April.

The Most Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 04/15/2021 - 9:01am

Dessert charcutterie boards, like this S'mores Board, delight kids and parents alike.

Why should cheese and crackers have all the fun? These dessert charcuterie boards can make any day sweet! It is not difficult to assemble one of these trays once you have the right ingredients and supplies in your kitchen. Dessert boards are no-cook, easy dessert recipes that are perfect for celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just to add a little fun to a night at home. You can use any flat surface to build your dessert board—we like to use a deep tray with handles, but a cutting board, serving tray, or any flat surface is a perfect stage to show off your delectable dessert creations.

From s’mores masterpieces to movie night treats, these five dessert boards will let you indulge your family’s sweet tooth. Find more dessert recipes and sweet kitchen inspiration in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

12 Recycled Crafts for Kids to Celebrate Earth Day

Submitted by Ally Noel on Tue, 04/13/2021 - 11:36am

Get into the Earth Day spirit with these cute crafts for kids.

These crafts for kids celebrate Earth Day the best way we know how—with recycling! You don’t have to buy any extra stuff to create one of these beautiful crafts. Basic supplies like scissors, glue, and paint allow kids (and their grown-ups) to do their part to save the planet.

Clean out that recycling bin to gather supplies for these fun Earth Day activities for kids. From glass and plastic to packaging and cardboard, there is a treasure trove of crafting material just waiting to be reused. Whether you are taking a pile of cardboard boxes to the next level or turning T-shirts into totes, these easy crafts for kids provide a little inspiration to get you going.

Activities to Get You Out of the House this Weekend in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 03/24/2021 - 1:25pm

It's s'more fun at Ripka’s Beach Cafe Full Moon Rise. Photo by Ally Noel

This final March weekend in Connecticut is packed with spring activities, day trips, and plenty of Easter fun. Visit with the Easter Bunny at a drive-by in New Canaan, try a scavenger egg hunt in New Milford, or search for eggs at DeMartino’s Farm. Head outdoors to enjoy the first full moon of spring by taking a guided hike in Windsor, or watch the moon rise over the Long Island Sound at Ripka’s Beach Cafe.

Make sure to check out all the Easter fun at one of these Easter Egg Hunts and Drive-Thrus, or check out our Spring Fun Guide for a full list of seasonal events and upcoming spring break ideas.

Looking to snuggle in and enjoy some at-home fun? Try these Easter crafts and egg decorating projects, and don't forget to check out Poppins@Home for virtual ideas, including a Virtual Hip-Hop Dance Class and Ballet For All Kids.

Beach House Rentals That Families Will Swoon Over

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 03/20/2021 - 2:25pm

Hawk's Nest cozy cottage in Connecticut includes a private beachfront. Photo courtesy of Airbnb

We suspect everyone could use a little dose of Vitamin Sea right about now, so we've rounded up some gorgeous, kid-friendly beach house rentals on Airbnb. It's hard to resist a charming beach cottage and all the vacation can offer to a busy family: fresh salt air, lazy days, gorgeous views, ice cream after every meal, board games on rainy days, and long walks with the family along the shore.

These lovely beach cottages along the East Coast come stocked with tons of family-friendly amenities like pools, easy beach access, sports and beach equipment, and more. From the charming New England coastline of Maine down to the sunny shores of Florida, these beach house rentals offer plenty of room to stretch out those sandy toes and sip a glass of sunshine on the porch.

Find more inspiration in our Family Travel Guide.

Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 03/19/2021 - 10:00am

Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel

In the past year, Connecticut families have been heading to the hills, trails, and streams of the Connecticut countryside more than ever to enjoy some outdoor fun on the weekends. Thankfully, we are never that far from a dedicated, family-friendly nature center in the Nutmeg State. These centers provide a wide variety of programs, scavenger hunts, camps, classes, guided hikes, and animal encounters. Nature Centers can be enjoyed year-round: Many even have indoor spaces with live animals, nature specimens, and more interactive elements for kids.

Plan a visit to one of these Connecticut nature centers for a healthy, educational, and affordable family day trip. Then, broaden kids' horizons with an adventure to a Connecticut state park or forest to see nature at its grandest—nearby!